On Sept. 18, Emerson High School hosted its fourth annual Community Pep Rally. The school welcomed students and families from Emerson and feeder schools such as Scoggins, Ogle, Elliot and Comstock, to the football field to kick off Homecoming weekend.
The pep rally offered many performances, vendors and activities, but the most anticipated moment of the night was the announcement of the Homecoming Court. The court members were escorted down the football field, with their homecoming sashes and trophy in hand. These students were nominated by their peers to be representatives of their class, and the pep rally commends court nominees for their contributions to a positive influence and school spirit.
“I feel really honored to be a part of the court,” Freshman Court Nominee, Brooke Lyons, 9, said. “The fact people think so highly of me is a huge accomplishment, and inspires me to be better.”
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Brooke Lyons, 9 (Giulia Tolar)
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Logan Bradford, 9 (Giulia Tolar)
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Ky Tolbert, 9 (Giulia Tolar)
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Suchit Mishra, 9 (Giulia Tolar)
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Carlota Ferrer Gosling, 10 (Giulia Tolar)
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Blake Jarrell, 10 (Giulia Tolar)
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Dhaanya Lakshmi Suresh, 10 (Giulia Tolar)
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Sriyan Bodla, 10 (Giulia Tolar)
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Jacqueline Ramirez, 11 (Giulia Tolar)
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William Webster, 11 (Giulia Tolar)
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Channing Parkman, 11 (Giulia Tolar)
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Cameron Johnson, 11 (Giulia Tolar)
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Mutong Niu, 12 (Giulia Tolar)
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Claire Rozewicz, 12 (Giulia Tolar)
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Homecoming Queen, Ava Holcomb, 12 (Giulia Tolar)
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Aidyn Guernsey, 12 (Giulia Tolar)
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Giovanni Cameau, 12 (Giulia Tolar)
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Easton Quave, 12 (Giulia Tolar)
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Homecoming King, John Pacheco, 12 (Giulia Tolar)
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David Olaleye, 12 (Giulia Tolar)
No pep rally would be complete without a performance to entertain the crowd. The Emerson Drill Team sparkled on the field, delivering an exhilarating routine that lifted school spirit. With their poms, boots and flashy moves, the team ensured audiences would be pumped for the following Junior Varsity Football game.
“My favorite thing about being on the drill team is getting the opportunity to perform at events like this,” Majestic, Bayleigh Martinez, 12, said. “I love that I get to be involved in these community gatherings and be a part of the things that bring us together.”
Behind the stands, community members are invited to partake in games and activities sponsored by school clubs. For example, Best Buddies held a station with bracelet making and a life-sized version of the classic game Connect Four, DECA Club featured giant Jenga and Choir organized musical chairs alongside live karaoke. Some events resulted in lively prizes; The Emerson Yearbook hosted a game where participants had to guess how many pieces of candy were in a jar to win a free yearbook.
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Yearbook offers a free yearbook to whoever wins their game.
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The Charge host drop game for candy
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National Math Honor Society plays math game with students.
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Kids color rock at the counseling station.
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Best Buddies shows off bracelet making station.
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Student gets temporary tattoo at FCLA station.
“As a person in the yearbook class I understand how expensive they can be,” Jaime Salazar, 12, said. “I hope we can do more events like this in the future.”
Amid the special announcements and events, the night was refreshed with an assortment of food trucks and vendors aligning the streets. From sweet syrup-soaked snowcones to savory trays of garnished French fries, the pep rally had affordable and ample food options to satisfy anyone. Most notably, Black Rock Coffee Bar offered free and electrifying drinks for community members attending the event.
“I really liked all the food trucks that came,” Attendee, Ethan Arellano, 12, said. “You could tell most of it was made with love.”
The pep rally’s achievements are reflected in the collective efforts made by all clubs across Emerson. Overall, it goes without saying that, like the years prior, this year’s annual Community Pep Rally was a total success.
